Consider that in normal college Football Betting times, a team that goes 10-3 with a conference championship and a bowl game goes down in the history books. Indeed, the Marshall Thundering Herd will go down in history. But they will do so for all the wrong reasons. Marshall went 10-3 and won the Sun Belt Conference championship in a 31-3 blowout over the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns. As a result, the Thundering Herd accepted an invitation to play in the Independence Bowl against the Army Black Knights. But on Saturday, Marshall was forced to opt-out.
Independence Bowl Army Black Knights vs. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
| Date and Time: | Saturday, December 28, 2024, 9:15 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Independence Stadium, Shreveport, LA |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Betting Online Odds at SBG: | Click Here |
Independence Bowl Overview
Following the season, head coach Charles Huff departed after a contract dispute to become the head coach of the Southern Miss Eagles. Subsequently, a flood of Marshall players entered the transfer portal. Now, Marshall can’t field a team to compete in the Independence Bowl and will be forced to opt out. The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs will take Marshall’s place.
Last year, Cal held an early 14-7 lead, but Texas Tech dominated the rest of the game to post a 34-14 victory over Cal in the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Louisiana. The Bears were unable to get their running game going, and they finished the season with a 6-7 record.
Overall, Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton threw three touchdown passes with one interception. The interception came in the fourth quarter with the Red Raiders safely ahead.
In sum, Cal rushed for just 69 yards, even though Texas Tech entered the game ranked 94th of 130 FBS teams in rushing defense. Cal’s strength on offense has been its running game. Cal committed four turnovers and allowed Texas Tech to record 13 tackles for loss.
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Team Overview
Last game, the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs won 33-0 against the Kennesaw State Owls as 11-point home favorites. The game went under the offshore betting total of 41. Louisiana Tech has a record of 5-7 straight up, 8-4 against the spread, and 5-7 over/under the total. Louisiana Tech ranks 106th for total offense, 66th for passing, 113th for rushing and 113th for scoring. Defensively they rank 10th overall, 22nd against the pass, 29th against the rush, and 25th for points allowed. Also, Louisiana Tech ranks 103rd for fewest turnovers lost and 123rd for takeaways.
Army Black Knights Team Overview
Last game, the Army Black Knights lost 31-13 against the Navy Midshipmen as 6-point favorites. The game went over the College Football Betting total of 39. Army has a record of 11-2 straight up, 7-5 against the spread, and 7-5 over/under the total. Army ranks 74th for total offense, 134th for passing, 1st for rushing and 43rd for scoring. Defensively they rank 12th overall, 27th against the pass, 25th against the rush, and 7th for points allowed. Also, Army ranks 5th for fewest turnovers lost and 6th for takeaways.
Independence Bowl SBG Free Picks
In this situation, Army came from a better league and was the dominant champion of the American Athletic Conference. Louisiana Tech is a 5-7 team that is unexpectedly in a bowl game under strange circumstances.
Independence Bowl SBG Best Bet: Army Black Knights.